GIANT ROAM 4 (2022) - SAPPHIRE

Giant’s Roam sports hybrid has been a staple of our product range since 2012. The reason why is because it’s the kinda bike anyone can ride - and comfortably.

Regardless of whether you’re just getting back into riding after several years or you’re searching for a workhorse commuter bike.

And the range starts off with the Roam 4. The aim of this preview is to give you a better understanding of the product and to help you decide if it’s going to be the right bike for you.

WHAT IS THE GIANT ROAM?

The Giant Roam is a type of hybrid bike; a cross-between road and mountain.

It’s been designed with durability, versatility and comfort in mind for both beginner and experienced riders - across all fitness levels.

Roam rider’s are placed in a sporty but relaxed riding position. If you’re not a conditioned cyclist, it means you can go for a ride comfortably.

WHO IS THE ROAM FOR?

If you don’t know where you’ll be riding but you’re certain it won’t be mountain biking and you’re not after the lightest and fastest bike (that is, a road bike), then the Roam should be on your shortlist.

You want a bike that’s not limited to the terrain it can ride on either.

It’s an ideal choice for riders who are spending time on well made bike paths, Rail Trails, light dirt and gravel surfaces. So a wide variety of terrain.

And your activities include family bike rides, rides with friends and/or frequent commutes into work and general fitness rides.

ABOUT THE ROAM 4

The Roam 4 is the first option in the Roam family.

Side note:

A lower model number indicates a higher-level bike. So the Roam 3 is a level better than the Roam 4.

That aside, starting at the front.

Suspension helps smooth out small corrugations and impacts on surfaces. But it also has 2 other effects.

First it acts to slow the steering down; making it more predictable and less twitchy and nervous - perfect for new riders.

Second, it lifts the front end higher; placing your hands higher up and delivering a relaxed riding position for comfort on longer bike rides.

Next we have the gears:

3 front gears are paired to 7 rear gears. On the gear shifter display below, you’ll see 3 gears to choose from. These are your front gears. Gear 1 is the easiest and 3 is the hardest. For most terrain, gear 2 is fine though.

These are part of Shimano’s entry level family of components called Tourney. But, Tourney is extremely reliable and easy to adjust.

It’s perfect for new riders spending time on flat and gently undulating terrain. For those who need to climb steep hills and want an easier time of it, then consider the Roam 2.

Roam 4 riders have 7 gears on the back to choose from. On the display below, gear 1 is the easiest (that is, easier to climb hills) and 7 is the hardest (used for increasing speed downhill).

Hydraulic disc brakes are the benchmark braking system on bikes these days.

Because (compared to mechanical brakes) these are significantly better in all conditions by delivering greater power but (more importantly) better modulation and control.

This shortens the braking distance and you come to a far more controlled stop; rather than skidding and sliding. I agree, the latter way is cooler though.

In the image above, see the hose coming out of the lever? It’s filled with mineral oil, not a brake cable.

So when you pull that brake lever, it feels very, very smooth. Because there’s very little friction with oil compared to a cable. So, less hand/finger effort is also required to slow down.

Plus, we can adjust the position of the brake levers to suit smaller hands without affecting the brake’s performance.

Lastly, even though the Roam doesn’t come with a kickstand, there are 2 threaded holes to neatly bolt a kickstand. More mounts (directly above the quick release) also allows riders to mount a pannier rack and full length mudguards.